Retirement. Whether it’s a distant goal or only a countdown away, it's something we all look forward to when the time comes. One of the most exciting aspects of retirement is the much-welcomed lifestyle change when more leisure time is up for grabs. Many retirees look to fill that time with travel. What traveling entails, though, is a unique experience for each retiree. For some it means traveling to see family and friends more, finally getting a chance to spend an extended amount of time on a certain continent, or completely up and moving to a new place for a fresh start.
No matter the case, we’ve listed retirement gift ideas for wherever this new phase of life might be leading your loved one. For retirees who are just starting to travel, we have our tried and true essentials that we feel would suit them best as they embark on this new adventure. For the more well-traveled folks, we’ve featured upgrades to their current travel gear checklist. From luggage to comfy travel sets to golf clubs, here are 15 gift ideas for the retired travelers in your life.
Retirees who are new to travel
Away The Bigger Carry-On
A reliable, chic piece of luggage will carry you through even the most stressful of airport treks. The Away Carry-On has proven to be tried and true with its durable polycarbonate hard shell. The lightweight suitcase has 360 wheels that will make gliding through the airport or city streets easy and can carry up to nine outfits. For a retiree that is just getting their start in traveling, this piece is a great first leap.
Allbirds Wool Runners
A good pair of walking shoes will take you far, but a great pair of walking shoes will take you everywhere. The Wool Runners from Allbirds have been a Traveler team favorite for years, and it's not surprising with its super lightweight design, fun colors options, and easy cleaning maintenance (throw them in the wash when you get home and they’ll come out good as new.)
50 States, 5000 Ideas
All the bases have been covered with this one. It is part of a series of books detailing more than enough travel plans for a lifetime, from national parks to dude ranches. Find what travel experts see as the best well known and unknown excursions across America.
Airbnb gift card
The ideal gift for those who don’t know where they want to go: gift cards. They have a bad reputation as being an “easy” gift, but an Airbnb gift card brings a sense of optimism and wanderlust to the recipient. Plus, what’s better than one less thing to worry about on the travel checklist?
Well-traveled retirees
Apple AirPods Pro
An essential for the Traveler team, upgrade your over the ear headphones to the sleek, noise-canceling option from Apple. The second generation AirPod Pros incorporate new spatial audio to bring you a more immersive listening experience. Whether it's a loud flight or busy train, rest assured you’ll be able to catch some z’s to the soundtrack of your choosing.
Rothy's The Belt Bag
A purse will only weigh you down when exploring—enjoy a stylish alternative that secures your essentials. This belt bag includes two magnetic plates for a secure closure, a main compartment for the must-haves like sunglasses or your phone, two additional pockets, and a card slot. With plenty of thoughtful features in mind, users will be surprised by the versatility that accompanies it. The adjustable and detachable strap gives you the option to style it across the body, over the shoulder, around your waist, or as a clutch.
Ven Travel Set
A pillow, socks, eye mask, and blanket all made out of 100 percent cashmere brings a little comforts to long treks across the globe. Consider stowing it away in your personal item for your next long flight or your car for your next lengthy road trip.
Ashya bolo leather passport cover & wallet
An essential for those looking to travel light, the bolo bag can hold the things you need easy access to, like a passport or a phone. It can be worn around the neck, as a crossbody, around the waist, or as a mini backpack, allowing you to stay hands-free on the go.
Retirees looking to go golfing
TaylorMade Golf P790 Iron Set
Finding the right Iron to improve your golf game can be tricky, but with the customizable Iron set from TaylorMade, which allows you to choose the length, grip brand, and shaft material, you’ll be able to iron out all the discrepancies, so you can aim for a perfect game.
Callaway Fairway Stand bag
For the days when you find yourself golfing alone, you’ll have a dependable bag by your side. This five-pound bag includes an insulated water bottle pocket, seven additional pockets, and a towel ring. It also has customizable features with more than 10 color combinations and embroidery options.
G Fore Golf gloves
Although made from premium AAA Cabretta leather, the gloves feel like a second layer of skin. Offered in a wide range of colors, you can express your own personal style while still adhering to USGA guidelines.
FootJoy Women's Traditions 22 Golf shoes
A good golf game might start with the swing but let’s not forget about the need for a strong foundation. Stay limber in this sleek design that offers comfort for your soles with two high-density EVA footbeds.
Retirees looking to go camping
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
One of the most memorable parts of camping is spending the night around the bonfire—the only downside is the smell of smoke that lingers on your clothes for days to come. The Solo Stove bonfire is engineered to minimize the smoke while also eliminating the ash and charcoal, making for an easier cleanup.
Tungsten 1-Person Tent
The Tungsten one-person tent opens up the possibilities for solo travel. Made with a shorter folded pole length, the tent is more compact and makes transporting easy, especially for those planning their next bike packing or kayak trip.
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
Durable, sensitive, and lightweight are the traits you want in your next rod, and St. Croix Rods has got you covered. Made from premium quality SCII carbon construction, the rod’s strength will aid in your success on the water. Not to mention the premium grade cork that helps to maintain a strong grip for any fish that dares to take a bite from your line.
Coleman Vintage Steel-Belted Portable Cooler
The vintage aesthetic isn't the only charming thing about the Coleman Steel-belted portable cooler. The 54-quart cooler can keep ice cold for up to four days and has rust resistant steel hardware that will last through many camping trips. Plus, the lid can withstand 250 pounds (in case you use it as a seat or need to stack luggage on top of it).